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<\/p>\nAvoiding a \u2018copy cat\u2019 cycle of convicts refusing to appear in court for sentencing is a key government priority, the Justice Secretary insisted yesterday.<\/p>\n
Alex Chalk said there was a \u2018real concern\u2019 that serious criminals would imitate previous notorious cases and refuse to come to the dock for sentencing.<\/p>\n
Under new laws announced by Rishi Sunak in August, criminals who refuse to attend could face being dragged into court by force. Serious offenders who \u2018continue to resist\u2019 will be handed an extra two years\u2019 imprisonment.<\/p>\n
The long-awaited new measures were pledged after a series of killers dodged their sentencing hearings, including Britain\u2019s worst child serial killer Lucy Letby.<\/p>\n
Others that have refused to attend include Thomas Cashman, the murderer of schoolgirl Olivia Pratt-Korbel; Koci Selamaj, the killer of school teacher Sabina Nessa; and Jordan McSweeney, who murdered law graduate Zara Aleena.<\/p>\n
\u2018I think there is a proper public interest for acting promptly because \u201ccopy-cattery\u201d is a real concern,\u2019 Mr Chalk told the House of Lords justice and home affairs committee.<\/p>\n
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Avoiding a \u2018copy cat\u2019 cycle of convicts refusing to appear in court for sentencing is a key government priority, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk insisted yesterday<\/p>\n
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Under new laws announced by Rishi Sunak in August, criminals who refuse to attend could face being dragged into court by force<\/p>\n
Failure to attend court led to \u2018public outrage\u2019, he added.<\/p>\n
\u2018Once that verdict comes in, they must answer for their crimes – that is the way we keep public confidence in the system and that is why we are bringing in this measure.<\/p>\n
\u2018We will legislate in the coming session and we will get it on the Statute Book before the next election.<\/p>\n
\u2018We are clear that there is a proper public interest and it strengthens the rule of law for victims to understand that those who have shattered lives, betrayed trust and destroyed families should be in court to hear society\u2019s condemnation expressed through the sentencing remarks of the judge.<\/p>\n
\u2018We can\u2019t have the situation where the likes of Thomas Cashman and the killer of Zara Aleena say \u201cI\u2019m not turning up\u201d as a matter of choice.\u2019<\/p>\n
In August, officials said the new legislation will make clear that \u2018reasonable force\u2019 can be used to bring criminals to the dock, or to view a video link.<\/p>\n
If an offender \u2018continues to resist attending their sentencing despite a judge\u2019s order\u2019, they will face an extra two years behind bars.<\/p>\n
Judges will have discretion over whether they use the new powers.<\/p>\n
For example, a judge could decide not to order an offender\u2019s attendance if it could lead to disruption in court which would distress victims or relatives.<\/p>\n
The Justice Secretary said judges would be able to decide \u2018on the facts of the case in front of them\u2019.<\/p>\n
He indicated there would not be a consultation process before the proposals are introduced, but said he was already talking to judges about the measures.<\/p>\n
\u2018There is a proper interest in getting these people in court, there is a proper interest in showing the discretion of the court is upheld – and that is broadly where we have got to,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n
\u2018That conversation actually does not take long.\u2019<\/p>\n
The measures have yet to be published but are expected to be tabled soon as an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which is currently before Parliament.<\/p>\n